Minimum wage in South Korea
South Korea has a single national minimum wage, set per hour each year by the Minimum Wage Commission and confirmed by the Minister of Employment and Labor. It applies in all industries.
Headline figure (for 2026)
10,320 KRW per hour
Under Notice 2025-47 of the Ministry of Employment and Labor.
Roughly US$1,333 a month for a full-time worker, at exchange rates of 2026-10-09. This is a rough comparison only and does not show buying power.
Checked October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
Who sets it
The Minimum Wage Commission, with equal numbers of representatives of workers and employers and public-interest members, decides the rate. The Minister of Employment and Labor announces it.
How it changes
The rate is decided each year, announced in the summer, and applies from 1 January of the following year.
Who is covered, and who is treated differently
- The same hourly rate applies to every industry.
- A reduced rate is allowed for a short probation period for some workers on contracts of at least a year.
What to watch for
- The monthly amount depends on the hours worked; the law states the hourly rate.
Understand the legal system first
South Korea belongs to the Civil law family. How pay is regulated depends on how the legal system makes and applies labour law.
Read the South Korea legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →
Compare South Korea with another country →
Official sources
Take it further
A clear offer of work, pay and terms.
Put freelance work and payment in writing.
Wages, hours, contracts and dismissal.
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TheLawToKnow Tools’s Minimum Wage by Country guide is an educational overview. It is not legal or employment advice, and it does not replace the official source or a lawyer in the country. Report a mistake.
